Thunes and UnionPay International Revolutionize Money Transfers to Mainland China

In a significant advancement for financial services, Thunes, known for its sophisticated global money transfer capabilities, has partnered with UnionPay International (UPI) to make sending money to mainland China faster and more efficient. This partnership, announced on January 22, 2026, marks a critical step in addressing the complexities associated with international money transfers to one of the world's largest economies.

The New Collaboration: What It Means

This collaboration allows Thunes to establish a direct technical connection to UnionPay's infrastructure, significantly improving the existing UnionPay MoneyExpress remittance service. With this direct integration, Thunes can now offer its global members—including banks, neobanks, super apps, gig economy platforms, and digital wallets—a streamlined method to transfer funds to UnionPay debit cards across 79 major Chinese banks. Notable banks involved include the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China (BoC), and China Construction Bank (CCB).

Historically, transferring money to China has been fraught with challenges such as hidden fees and the requirement for recipients to declare the funds manually. The new partnership addresses these issues head-on. By connecting directly to UnionPay, Thunes aims to provide a seamless Pay-to-Card experience, where transactions can be credited in real-time or within 12 hours, offering a significant improvement over traditional methods.

Enhanced Payment Experiences

Thunes’ Direct Global Network gives members access to a payment process that mimics domestic transactions when sending money to mainland China. Upfront exchange rates enable customers to know exactly how much money will arrive, ensuring recipients receive RMB directly into their UnionPay debit cards with minimal hassle.

Aik Boon Tan, Chief Network Officer at Thunes, remarked, “Establishing a direct connection with UnionPay International is a game-changer for our Direct Global Network. It not only enhances access but creates a high-speed, direct-to-card pathway into one of the world's leading economies.” He emphasized that this partnership eliminates the friction traditionally associated with cross-border payments, making the process as straightforward as sending a text message.

The Significance of UnionPay's MoneyExpress

UnionPay MoneyExpress plays a pivotal role in UnionPay International's cross-border remittance strategy. It is designed to offer secure and efficient ways for funds to traverse borders, thereby strengthening the link between global financial institutions and consumers in China. This collaboration with Thunes amplifies the advantages of MoneyExpress, including immediate forex rates and reliable settlements to users around the globe.

As the working landscape of financial services continues to evolve, efficiencies in money transfers are crucial. As businesses and individuals become more interconnected than ever, the necessity for rapid, low-cost, and reliable payment methods is essential. The Thunes and UnionPay alliance stands out as a promising response to these growing demands, setting the stage for an enhanced financial ecosystem.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Seamless Transformations

The partnership between Thunes and UnionPay represents more than just a technical advancement in the world of international money transfers; it signifies a paradigm shift towards making cross-border transactions as uncomplicated and transparent as possible. With real-time processing and a user-friendly experience, the collaboration is set to empower millions of users globally, turning a once-difficult process into a smooth and efficient operation. As Thunes continues to expand its influence and capabilities in the global market, it's clear that this partnership could redefine how money moves across borders, particularly into the ever-significant Chinese market.

For more information about Thunes and their services, visit Thunes' website.